The Power of Hair in the Bible: Samson, Absalom, and the Symbolism of Thought

In the Bible, hair often symbolizes much more than just a physical trait. For many biblical figures, the condition and treatment of their hair represent deeper spiritual and psychological themes. Through the lens of Neville Goddard's teachings, hair can be seen as a symbol of our thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions. It is a metaphor for the inner workings of our consciousness and the strength or weakness of our belief system. Let’s dive into the stories of Samson, Absalom, and the profound symbolism of hair, drawing parallels to Neville Goddard's insights on the creative power of thought.

Samson: The Strength of Unshakable Belief

The story of Samson is one of the most well-known in the Bible when it comes to the symbolic significance of hair. Samson’s hair was not just a physical feature—it was a symbol of his divine strength and his dedication to God. According to the Book of Judges, Samson’s mother was told by the angel that her son would be a Nazarite from birth, meaning he should never cut his hair, drink wine, or touch a dead body. His hair was a physical manifestation of his dedication to God and his spiritual power.

When Delilah - a symbol of the seduction of external circumstance- cut Samson’s hair, it wasn’t just an act of betrayal—it was symbolic of the loss of his 'I AM'. Samson’s strength was tied to his faith and commitment, and the cutting of his hair marked the loss of his strength, reflecting how we too can lose our power when we let go of the assumptions and beliefs that initially supported our desires and manifestations. As Neville Goddard teaches, our external world is a reflection of our inner assumptions and beliefs. When those beliefs are weakened or compromised, we lose the power to create the reality we want.

• Judges 13:5: "For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."

In Neville Goddard’s framework, Samson’s hair represents a strong, unyielding belief in the power of his purpose. To cut your hair symbolically is to allow doubt and negative assumptions to undermine your dreams. The lesson is clear: hold firm to your beliefs and do not allow external pressures or doubts to shake your faith in your own creative power.

Absalom: The Tragic Consequence of Pride and Attachment

Another key figure in the Bible whose hair plays a significant role is Absalom, the son of King David. Absalom’s hair symbolizes his pride and attachment to external appearances. Unlike Samson’s hair, which represented spiritual strength, Absalom’s hair became a symbol of worldly beauty and status.

In 2 Samuel 14:25-26, it is mentioned that Absalom had long, thick hair that he would cut once a year, and the weight of his hair was so great that it weighed around 200 shekels (about 5 pounds). His hair was a mark of his physical attractiveness and power, something that made him stand out as a figure of pride and beauty.

However, this pride and attachment to his image would ultimately lead to his downfall. In 2 Samuel 18:9, Absalom’s hair became the very thing that led to his death. As he rode his mule, his hair got caught in the branches of a tree, and he was left hanging, unable to free himself. This event is deeply symbolic. Absalom’s pride in his appearance and his attachment to worldly power left him vulnerable. His hair—once a symbol of his status—was the thing that caused his tragic death.

• 2 Samuel 18:9: "And Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on."

In Neville Goddard’s teaching, Absalom’s hair can be seen as a metaphor for our attachment to external validation and worldly desires. Just as Absalom’s hair became entangled in a tree, our attachment to external appearances and pride can entangle us in the limitations of our own ego and false assumptions. The tree in this context represents the external world—our environment—and when we are too focused on outward appearances, we risk becoming entangled in the very things that should not define us.

The Parallel: Hair as a Symbol of Our Thoughts and Beliefs

In both the stories of Samson and Absalom, hair becomes a symbol of the beliefs we hold and the assumptions we carry. For Samson, his hair was a symbol of his divine strength—a direct reflection of his unwavering belief in his purpose and calling. When his hair was cut, it symbolized the loss of his faith and the destruction of his connection to his higher self.

For Absalom, his hair represented his attachment to his ego, his pride, and his worldly desires. His hair became a symbol of his focus on outward appearances, and it was precisely this attachment that led to his tragic end. In both cases, the hair represents something deeply tied to their inner world—the assumptions and beliefs they held, whether divine and strong (Samson) or ego-driven and fleeting (Absalom).

Neville Goddard’s Teachings on Hair: The Power of Thought

Neville Goddard often taught that we are the creators of our reality through our thoughts and assumptions. The stories of Samson and Absalom illustrate how our thoughts—symbolized by hair—can either empower or entangle us.

• Samson’s hair symbolizes a strong, unyielding belief in one’s purpose and connection to the divine. When we maintain our faith and beliefs, we remain strong, just as Samson’s hair gave him strength.

• Absalom’s hair, on the other hand, represents attachment to the ego and external validation. It shows how focusing too much on the outward appearance of things can lead to entanglement and destruction.

Neville would argue that if we hold firm to our assumptions and beliefs, especially those that align with our highest purpose, we maintain our strength, much like Samson’s hair. However, if we allow ourselves to be distracted by pride and the opinions of others, we risk becoming entangled in the very world we’ve created—just as Absalom’s pride led to his downfall.

Conclusion: The Symbolism of Hair in Our Own Lives

The stories of Samson and Absalom remind us that our beliefs and assumptions shape our reality. Samson’s hair, in Neville’s framework, symbolizes the strength and power of a belief that is rooted in purpose and faith, while Absalom’s hair represents the dangers of attachment to external validation and pride. In our own lives, we must be mindful of what we hold in our thoughts, as they will eventually manifest in our reality.

If we stay true to our beliefs and focus on our divine purpose (like Samson), our inner strength will be unshakable. However, if we become overly attached to the opinions of others and worldly desires (like Absalom), we risk being entangled in the very things that limit us. The lesson is clear: What we believe is what we become—so let’s be mindful of the thoughts we entertain and the assumptions we hold, for they shape the world we experience.